In 2025, Apple took the wraps off the iPhone Air at its autumn new product launch event. This new model ditched the physical SIM card slot, achieving an ultra-slim profile of just 5.6 millimeters. Alongside this, Apple rolled out the eSIM-only variants of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max in numerous markets, encompassing the United States and Canada.
The removal of the physical SIM card slot paved the way for a boost in battery capacity. With this extra space, Apple was able to enhance the phone's endurance. According to tests conducted by GSMArena, the eSIM-only version of the iPhone 17 Pro delivers a combined battery life of 16 hours and 12 minutes. This marks a significant improvement, as it lasts 49 minutes longer than the model equipped with a physical SIM card slot.
